Looking to make a difference in 2018?

Volunteer as a tutor!

Free Tutor Training starts February 5th.

Call 518-564-5332.

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Literacy Volunteers of Clinton Co.

Meets Thursday, December 7th

The Board of Directors invite you to a Potluck meeting

Thursday, December 7 at 5:00 p.m.

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A short story written and read by Laura Palkovic

We are grateful to Laura Palkovic, who read non-stop her fascinating story of Roanie Dall at Krinovitz Hall . We are fortunate to have community people who generously give their time and talent to raise funds to support our literacy programs. From all of us at Literacy Volunteers, thank you!

Flavors, Cultures, and Language Learning

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Join us for a morning of fun and flavors! Learners and volunteers will gather for a potluck breakfast on Tuesday, October 24 to celebrate the seasons and learn about cultures, foods and rituals: What do you eat where you grew up? How is it similar to or different from what people eat here in Clinton County? How do the seasons influence what we eat?

To join, call 518-564-5332 or email literacyvolunteer@gmail.com..

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LV-CC Welcomes New VISTA, New Intern

September 2017

Two familiar faces return to our office wearing new hats. Abdourazak Tidjani (top left) who spent last summer as an intern, starts this fall as a full-time VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Program Improvement Specialist. Wyatt Willis (bottom right) is a SUNY student in his senior year. He volunteered during the Spring of 2017 and is now doing internship for his Social Work field experience. Welcome!

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Picnic on the River 2017

Learners, tutors, staff and board members gathered at the Great Chazy River on July 22 for flowers, food and ‘fun-raising’! For a donation, garden enthusiasts received perennials of their choice. Children played ball, blew bubbles and even joined in the food auction. People and recipes came from ten countries across five continents. Thank you, everyone, for a day of global learning, friendship, relaxation and for funds raised for our literacy program.

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Director

Position Description

A well-qualified candidate will possess strong communication skills, both oral and written, a motivation to promote fundraising, grant writing, and public awareness around adult literacy, as well as strong management skills in furtherance of the mission of Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County.

About Us

Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County, Inc. (LVCC) was founded in 1972. Our mission is to empower residents throughout the county who seek to improve their literacy skills, including reading, writing, and speaking, as well as math and computer skills. We provide one-on-one tutoring for both basic literacy and English language learners (ELL). We also provide group conversation classes for ELL’s, and, as resources permit, workshops in writing and job skills. Services are delivered free of charge by well-trained tutors who assist learners in achieving their personal, educational and job-related goals. At present, the LVCC paid staff consists of a full-time Executive Director and two part-time staff members, one of which is a Program Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Director will:

report to the Board of Directors;

fundraise and grant write for sustainability and expansion of the organiztion

implement Board policies, goals, and objectives;

serve as a resource to designated Board Committees;

work in conjunction with the Program Coordinator to insure quality and implementation of programming

engage in professional development around literacy and the needs of adult learners;

Fiscal Management

Work jointly with Board of Directors in fundraising and resource development strategies.

Work with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, and accountant to support and expand ongoing programs as well as daily operations;

Prepare RFP’s, contracts, and program budgets; and

Write local/state/federal grants and contracts and oversee reporting according to contract terms

Community Relations and Networking

Conduct outreach and network with community groups and agencies.

Work with staff to promote the agency through the media (online and in print).

Supervise development of brochures and other publicity materials.

Represent LVCC in the local community at various community events.

Management

Assume overall responsibility for management of office staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

The Director will be thoroughly committed to LVCC’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership, coaching, and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other qualifications include:

strong marketing, fundraising, grant-writing, and public relations skills, and the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures

excellent written and verbal communication skills;

ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people;

track record of effective leadership and unwavering commitment to quality programs;

past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships;

ability to point to specific examples of having developed and implemented strategies to improve organizational effectiveness;

demonstrated multicultural competence including proven ability to understand and communicate with people of different backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures;

experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation;

excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach, involve, and encourage staff, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget;

specific background in literacy not required, interest and desire to learn programs and literacy is fundemental.

Compensation

Annual Recognition Event, May 2017

Congratulations to all for a job well done!

Families and friends joined the LV-CC Board, tutors and learners to celebrate hard work and accomplishments at Krinovitz Hall followed by a reception at the Literacy Volunteers Center. Former assembly member Janet Duprey delivered the keynote address. Special thanks to Jake Pittman and Merrill Freeman who spoke on behalf of tutors; to Diana Gomez, Jeannette Gayibor and Manuel Cabrera, who shared their learning experiences. Imagination Library Coordinator, Jocelyne Erkenbeck was awarded the Polly Parsons (Founder’s) Award.

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Literacy Volunteers Fundraising Campaign & #NYGivesDay

We need your help!

Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County, who is also responsible for your Dolly Parton Imagination Library program (in 4 counties), is participating for the first time in an online giving campaign and our very first end of the year giving campaign.

The online giving is safe and secure but if you would rather send in a campaign end of the year donation our address is:

Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County
101 Broad Street- Room 052 Hawkins Hall
Plattsburgh, New York 12901
Questions? If you have any questions or would like more information, let us know. You can contact our office at 518-564-5332 and talk with our staff.

Thank you in advance. Your donation is vital in making our mission possible.

24th Annual Literacy Challenge a Grand Success

Thanks to all who helped to make our 24th Annual Literacy Challenge on March 5th a grand success, with a net of $8,089 to support our programs!

To our event sponsors – the Press-Republican and Sunrise Rotary, and the Champlain Centre Mall…

To the 53 local businesses who donated $1,960 in gift certificates for our Silent Auction… to our friends who bid for those certificates—receiving in exchange a night of dining, a day of bowling, etc…To Pepsi, Starbucks and Sullivan Orchards, for their in-kind donations…To all our raffle donors and supporters, including Lan Wu, who won the beautiful quilt…

Ready for Work Project Off to a Great Start

September 24 – A great Kick-off Day for our Ready for Work Project ! Eighteen people representing 12 countries shared experiences in the field of computer science, The World Bank, marketing, raising family, teaching, accounting, restaurants, nursing, tourism, etc…a wealth of experiences from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Thanks to Marita and Jocelyne for coordinating the workshop and for the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for funding the project.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Registers 2,883rd Child

Our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program is going strong. Each month, a new, carefully selected book is mailed directly to the registered child’s home. This is a FREE gift to our children — an investment toward their success in school and for their future.

Since LVCC became an Imagination Library affiliate, 2,883 children from Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton Counties have enrolled., There are 2,141 served this current year, 2016.

As children graduate from the program at age 5, there is room to serve more. Call 564-5332 today or download a registration form and mail/fax to our office.

Books are paid 100% by the Charles R. Wood Foundation. To date, it has invested for our children a total of $187,500!

Thanks to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation (DGLF) for the grant of $4,200 to support our R4W project starting in September.

Through the DGLF generosity, we will train one-to-one tutors and conduct workshops that will increase learners’ workplace literacy and preparation including computer skills, resume writing and interviewing.

“It is exciting to see the impact grants from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation make throughout the country, especially as we cross the $100 million threshold in overall donations and the difference it has made to nearly six million people,” said Rick Dreiling, Dollar General’s chairman and CEO.”

To refer someone or to enroll in our Ready for Work project, call Marita at 564-5332.

Picnic and Perennials, July 18, 2015, Mooers, NY

Yes, it was a FUN-raiser! In spite of a storm threat, people came in festive Hawaiian colors to complement the gardens. And what a variety of international appetizers, salads, specialty dishes, fresh fruit and fancy desserts! Folks bid on leftovers, and garden lovers ordered perennials for their own backyards. The young and the brave tried hula hoops!

What a welcome cultural experience for learners and an opportunity to raise some funds for literacy. Thanks to all who came, to all who worked, and to all who gave.

Many, many thanks to all of you who made our International Thanksgiving Potluck such a great event on Wednesday, November 19th. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next year because it’s always a fabulous feast with great company!

On July 12th we began a new tradition! Our first annual Picnic and Perennials by the River —in Norma and Art’s beautiful yard and garden along the Great Chazy River in Mooers, NY.

A few of us ‘casually’ grouped along the riverbank.

We wanted to have a lot of fun and raise a little money, and we did both! Thank you everyone! We had fun in a lot of different ways. But how did we “raise a little money?” We offered our guests—volunteers, learners and friends of all ages—a chance to “adopt” a perennial(s) from Norma’s extensive (and gorgeous!) perennial gardens. We said, “If you dig into your pocket, Norma will dig into her garden and send you home with a perennial for your own garden!” And in keeping with our friendly “take it or leave it” policy, guests could opt to leave their adopted plant in place, for continued nurturing by Norma!

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And back in May—lots and lots of tutors, learners and other friends and family joined us in Krinovitz Hall for our Annual Learner Recognition Event on Thursday, May 1st—-followed by a reception in the adjacent Hawkins Patio. We enjoyed the evening immensely, and we’ve heard from others that they did too! Success!!

Susan Mikkelson

One of the evening’s speakers, tutor Susan Mikkelson, told a brief but very interesting tale about how she became involved with Literacy.

And tutor Tonya Wygand, who’s also been an intern with us this semester, spoke with great feeling about the wonderful experience she’s had at LVCC–offering special love and thanks to Norma!

Interns Tonya and Mel

Art Menard was surprised to be the recipient of the Polly Parsons Award, and he received a well-deserved standing ovation for his years of gentle service to LVCC, our learners and the entire community! Congratulations, Art!

Before we left the Hall, Art and Norma led everyone in a rousing sing-along of “This Land is Your Land.”

“This Land is Your Land!”

The reception that followed included pizza(s), fruit salad, and of course, cake. (The cake was scrumptious and FLEW off the table, so here’s a picture in case you missed it!)

But the people were the best—see anyone you know in this “smattering” of pics?

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmvvvvvvvvgggggggvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

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AND THE WINNER OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY AT THE 22ND ANNUAL LITERACY CHALLENGE ……

AuSable Valley Teachers!! (thunderous applause) back for their 22nd year and enjoying their third championship!

Renee Rhino, Lindsey Bombard, Scott Taylor and Matt Fay

And let’s not forget the runners-up on Saturday—a great team we hope will return in 2015….

Plattsburgh Teachers’ Association!

Neil Bowlen, Amy Sholtis, Michael Nichols and Glenn Hurlock

OH HAPPY, HAPPY DAY!!!!

We’re still excited because OUR 22ND ANNUAL LITERACY CHALLENGE on March 1st WAS A GREATSUCCESS!! Thank you all!

Especially Sunrise Rotary, the Press-Republican, and WIRY Hometown Radio, all members of the competing 23 local teams, and the generous sponsors of those teams (Bombardier,Church Oil, Coca-Cola, DodgeWest Chazy Library, K of C 4th Degree, K of C Council #255, Sunrise Rotary, ChamplainSmiles, Ground Force 1 Limo, and Monaghan Medical)! Special thanks also to Sullivan Orchards, Pepsi and Starbucks for keeping everyone fed and hydrated throughout the day.

And many, many thanks to the following 50 generous businesses who donated $1,600 ingift certificates for our Silent Auction–a new addition to the Literacy Challenge:

It was a long time in coming, but the extraordinarily beautiful queen-size quilt made by members of the Champlain Valley Quilters’ Guild of New York and donated to us, has found its new home across the border in Quebec.

Janet McCrory Tremblay was the lucky winner of the donated quilt—which was raffled off on the last day of the biennial CVQGNY quilt show in October. Janet and her husband traveled to our offices in Plattsburgh on November 12th for a special handing-over ceremony and for the chance to meet with the quilt’s creators and share quilting stories and tips.

Janet is a quilter herself, and a member of O-HO Quilters’ Guild in Western Quebec. Maybe “karma” played a role in her win since her own quilting group has in the past donated a quilt to SABEC, a group who helps breast cancer patients pay for travel to Montreal for treatment.

In all, over 5,000 tickets were sold at $1 each, and after deducting the cost of materials and printing, this left us with a net profit of more than $4,300. According to Guild President Lorene Forttrell and Raffle Chairperson Niki Gemmill, no other organization has ever raised as much money from the quilt raffle. THANKS EVERYONE!!!

Please welcome our new Technology Integration Project(TIP), made possible through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and TD Charitable Foundation!!!

We’re proud to be integrating technology skills into the development of reading, writing and math skills and the learning of English as a new language. We know that more and more, adults need digital literacy to function well in today’s world—whether at home, at school or at work.

Thanks to the generosity of Dollar General Literacy Foundation and TD Charitable Foundation, we have brand-new hardware (laptops, headphones and splitters), new software, and the people power to help introduce what’s new here to all our tutors and learners.

At 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 18th, we held the official kickoff of our program! That day was also the start of our weekly “Tech Time” Wednesdays, when our staff and our college interns will be available in the classroom to help any of our tutors or learners achieve their own digital literacy goals. Call us if you’d like more information about this project.

MANY THANKS TO OUR TUTORS AND TO OUR PROJECT FUNDERS!!

Board President Julius with Germaine Hicks and Patti LaGoy from TD Bank and Shane Shuknecht from Dollar General

Tutor meets Funder

Learner meets Funder

Our new technology increases student access by 600%. WOW!

Learner meets board member Ron

Learner and Director Norma express appreciation to funders

Tutor meets college interns Mel and Jess

Thank you !!

Learner and Tutor meet the Rosetta Stone!

Learners study English using the Rosetta Stone

Wednesdays are now “Tech Time.”Ourtutors and learners can use the Rosetta Stone as part of their English language study, or visit the wide, wide world of Computer-Assisted-Learning sites available on line!

We held our 5th annual “Day of International Poetry and Song” on Wednesday, September 11th, and it was better than ever! Performances included songs, poems, prayers, chants and short dramatic readings—presented in English and in 15 other languages. The program was led by our two AmeriCorps members, Marita and Jocelyne, as part of their AmeriCorps Day of Service. Among the 23 readers/singers were adult learners at LVCC, volunteer tutors, board, staff and our college interns. Everyone enjoyed the event and left feeling enriched by their participation. Thank you all.

In Bhutanese

In Mandarin

In Indonesian, Japanese and Albanian

In Farsi

In Spanish

In Cantonese

In Spanish

In English

It was a Great Morning!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW?

If you want to make a difference in your life, become a volunteer tutor here at Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County! Visit our Get Involved page for more information, or call the office at (518) 564-5332 for more information.

At the Library

On August 14th, many of our adult learners and their children were given a fantastic tour of the Plattsburgh Public Library by librarian Joanne Weiss–the library’s AmeriCorps for the Adirondacks member. We were introduced to all the different sections of the physical library and met different staff members, including the new Director, Anne de la Chapelle.

Using the computerized card catalog

Then we moved to the library’s PCC (Public Computer Center), and Joanne showed everyone how to access, understand and use the computerized card catalog to find books of interest, reserve them or order them from other libraries! Finally, we divided up in teams and with our card catalog “call numbers” in hand we went to the “stacks” to locate the books themselves.

The library is fun!

Everyone learned a lot about what the library has to offer and how to use it independently, and we’ll be reinforcing this learning and building on it by accessing the library’s website from our own computers here in the LVCC adult classroom. Thank you library staff!

Never too young for books!

Doorway to knowledge!

Free Tutor Training

Know someone who wants to become a trained tutor? We need them! Please refer them to our website or ask them to give us a call. Thanks!

On Stage at the Strand

We Were on Stage at the Strand in June!

In 2012 and 2013, Literacy Volunteers of Clinton County was in partnership with Symphony Space of New York City (producer of the popular public radio program Selected Shorts), and The Adirondack Center for Writing and Literacy Volunteers of Essex/Franklin Counties to bring Symphony Space’s All Write! program to the North Country.

Last fall, Broadway actors came up from New York City to perform stories and poetry live on stage in Plattsburgh as part of a creative writing and adult literacy program.

Surinder works on her writing with Robin Caudell

Over the winter, our students participated in special creative writing workshops here at Literacy Volunteers, and we submitted their work to Symphony Space.

First day of Writing workshop!

We are proud to say that as a result, 16 pieces by our adult learners were selected by Symphony Space and they were read live from the stage of The Strand Theater here in Plattsburgh on June 6, 2013.

Some of our proud contributing writers with Norma Menard

Novka with the actor, Charlotte Colavin, who read her piece from the stage!